Boarding kennels vary greatly in welfare quality, and choosing the right environment for your dog while you are away is a significant welfare decision.
Kennel welfare varies enormously between establishments. Poorly equipped kennels with minimal space, limited human contact, and inadequate exercise cause significant psychological stress for dogs unused to confinement. The stress of separation from familiar people and environments, combined with novel sounds, smells, and conspecifics, can be overwhelming for anxious dogs. Well-managed kennels with adequate space, regular human interaction, appropriate exercise, and enrichment activities can provide acceptable welfare for adaptable dogs. Matching kennel provision to individual dog temperament — recognising that some dogs are fundamentally unsuited to kennelling — is a welfare-responsible approach to holiday pet care.